Today’s Manna!
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:9-11
In 1 Corinthians 5:9-11, Paul addresses the issue of associating with immoral people, particularly within the church. He distinguishes between interacting with non-believers and those within the church who persist in sinful behaviors.
Paul writes, “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.” (1 Corinthians 5:9-11, NIV)
Paul’s concern is for the purity and witness of the church. He clarifies that while believers inevitably interact with non-believers in their daily lives, they must take a firm stance against persistent, unrepentant sin within the church. This is to prevent the corruption of the community and to uphold the church’s integrity.
Consider the story of Nehemiah. When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls, he faced opposition and corruption, even among his own people. In Nehemiah 13, after returning from a trip to Persia, he discovered that the temple was being misused, and the people had again intermarried with foreigners, violating God’s commands. Nehemiah took decisive action to purify the community, enforcing God’s laws and restoring order. His actions, though harsh, were necessary to preserve the sanctity of the people and their worship.
As believers, we must strive to live lives set apart for God, holding each other accountable with love and truth. This means addressing sin within the church, not out of judgment, but out of a desire for repentance, restoration, and a witness that honors God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance in living lives that honor You. Help us to lovingly and courageously address sin within our community, seeking repentance and restoration. Give us wisdom and grace to live set apart, reflecting Your holiness in all we do. Strengthen our witness so that we may draw others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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